"This being so, it follows that mythology ought not to take the prominent place that is too often assigned to it in the scientific study of ancient faiths"

This quote by William Robertson Smith recommends that folklore must not be provided excessive significance in the scientific research study of ancient faiths. He implies that folklore ought to not be the primary focus of research, as it is frequently given too much attention. Rather, he recommends that other elements of ancient faiths must be given more consideration. He thinks that mythology should be seen as a part of the larger image, instead of the main focus. He believes that by taking a look at the other aspects of ancient faiths, such as their rituals, beliefs, and practices, we can get a better understanding of them. By looking at the whole photo, we can gain a more precise understanding of ancient faiths and their influence on society.